[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019af2b9-6db1-7669-b1a8-71b0a5423830.webp[/img]
[color=f26522]Time[/color]: 6pm
[color=f26522]Location[/color]: Ballroom
[color=f26522]Interactions[/color]: [@AuthenticTomb] Sylvia, [@Tae] Ranya, [@Infinite Cosmos] Munir
[color=f26522]Mentions[/color]: [@CitrusArms] Stratya
[color=f26522]outfit:[/color][url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019cd422-ce99-733e-8c36-fa5b132276f8.webp]Traditional Ravenwood Formal Wear[/url] [/center]
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Roman couldn’t help but smile at them both. Ranya was reserved and proper, while Sylvia was quick to brush past the compliment. He found the contrast adorable. Everyone looked their best tonight; no one wanted to make themselves a target, yet they all strove to stand out in their own way. The morning’s grim events provided more than enough reason for their caution.

“[color=f26522]Ah, your memory proves correct. I’ve spent many a long night in your beautiful home, discussing trade deals with your father and his advisors. He is a shrewd businessman—a necessary skill for a man in his position. I do believe you were present for many of those discussions.[/color]” The Alidasht Shehzadi was quick and polite, but the sharp look in her eyes suggested she was far from the fragile flower she had been paraded around as during his visits. If anything, the past couple of weeks had proven just how surprising people could be. It was yet another reminder never to underestimate the person standing across from you.

He glanced between Sylvia and Ranya with a pleasant smile. “[color=f26522]Oh, yes, I do enjoy the occasional delicacy.[/color]” His tone shifted slightly; flirting wasn’t his strong suit, but he could always try. “[color=f26522]And I would not envy the man or woman who tried to tell either of you how much trouble sugar can be.[/color]”

His attention was drawn to Sylvia’s offer of a sweet tart. He accepted the treat, examining it briefly. It was certainly made to the castle’s high standards, but in his experience, there was always a fine line between mass production and true quality. Still, this one had a subtle, pleasant aroma to its delicate, crumbly dough.

“[color=f26522]Hmm, it vaguely reminds me of something floral... like the flowers atop our mountains in the summer.[/color]” He took an exploratory bite, not wanting to seem rude or overindulge. It was an interesting flavor—not one he would actively seek out, but not horrible, either. He swallowed and nodded appreciatively. “[color=f26522]That’s not too bad, but I still prefer the sweet rolls we have back home. It's hard to find a good pastry in this city, though a few have surprised me,[/color]” he added, his thoughts drifting briefly to his time spent with Stratya.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut in beside him. How long had it been since he last saw Munir? A few weeks, at least. The man seemed to be in a rush—he had even dropped his veil—but his attention was solely locked on Ranya. How strange.

“[color=f26522]Shahzade Munir, what a welcome surprise. It has been some time since we last spoke; I hope you are well.[/color]” It was a polite greeting, but Roman purposely didn't try to pull the man away from whatever mission he was on. It clearly looked important.

Instead, Roman turned his attention back to Sylvia. “[color=f26522]Have you found a favorite among the desserts here yet?[/color]”